Sumitomo Chemical has decided to more than double its production capacity for lithium-ion secondary battery separators, marketed under the PERVIO brand name. The production at its Ohe Works in Niihama, Japan will be raised to roughly 1.3 times the current capacity by next spring.

In April 2014, Sumitomo began expanding Ohe Works’ capacity for Previo by approximately 1.7 times in the spring of 2014, around 1.9 times in the fall of 2014, and almost 2.3 times by the spring of 2015.

Additionally, Sumitomo will build a new plant for PERVIO at its subsidiary in South Korea, scheduled to start commercial-scale production in 2017.

Manufactured with safety in mind

PERVIO, which combines a heat-resistant layer composed of aramid fiber and ceramics with a polyolefin substrate, contributes to battery safety. PERVIO is chiefly used in automotive battery cells through its use in Panasonic’s high-capacity and high-energy density cylindrical lithium-ion secondary batteries. Through Panasonic, the cells with PERVIO separators are used in Tesla Motors’ Model S.

Responding to the situation, Sumitomo Chemical has thus far increased its production capacity for PERVIO in a stepwise manner.

Expecting a further increase in demand Sumitomo decided not only to raise the production capacity at the Ohe Works but to set up a new plant for the product at its subsidiary in South Korea. Hence, it can fortify its stable supply capability by having multiple production bases as well as preparing for possible further expansions in the years ahead –quite smart, isn’t it?

Business cluster

Sumitomo Chemical aims to establish a business cluster based on the PERVIOTM products as it continues to develop innovative technologies and strengthen related businesses.

Well, I do think that the company will manage to bring this project into life – it is not their first project and "Environment and Energy" are truly one of their core domains.

Therefore, its initiatives to develop next-generation businesses for the Company with 100% probability will be built.